Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership Chair
Local Visitor Economy Partnership
The recently adopted Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy (2023-2030) sets out to transform the fortunes of the visitor economy – currently one of Northamptonshire’s unsung economic heroes. Developed over an 18-month period, this work has uncovered and drawn on a wide range of evidence that has underpinned the approach and content, supported by a wide range of contributors from across the economic landscape including public stakeholders, businesses and the third sector.
Our strategic goals are to increase the value that visitors bring, inspire a new and skilled workforce into the industry, support local visitor economy businesses to grow and identify future investments that will help further define and boost Northamptonshire’s visitor economy over time.
This strategy has been informed and supported by a great many different people and organisations and for successful delivery will need to connect, communicate and collaborate with all local, regional and national stakeholders with an interest. A new Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) is being established for the county, and the partnership will be made up of a representative group of senior industry figures, to steer the delivery of this strategy and action plan and make sure that the potential is realised.
Our vision is to build a greater sense of pride across the county and to drive economic growth by attracting people to visit the county. Through collaborative and creative work across the entire visitor economy, we will provide visitors with compelling reasons to visit and to stay, delivering great times for each and every one. Visitors will leave wishing they had stayed longer and vowing to return.
LVEP Board Chair
We have a short window to collectively design our LVEP, balancing the need to demonstrate tangible progress to VisitEngland, whilst ensuring we take enough time to get our new arrangements right. Before we establish a new Northamptonshire LVEP Board, to include representatives from the public and private sectors, the next critical step is to commence recruitment for a high-profile, independent chair.
The LVEP Chair, is a great opportunity for a proven inspirational leader to drive the next year of visitor growth for county. We need someone who gets our place, its landscape and its culture. Our diverse offer gives visitors a huge selection of experiences and activities to enjoy. It covers everything from medieval battlefields to motorsport, from festivals to forest bathing. Our trendsetting accommodation, fit for all pockets will reach new heights of quality and service. Our natural countryside provides many opportunities for visitors to discover new peaceful places as they enjoy a range of distinctive experiences, local food and drink and independent retail, all wrapped up in renowned hospitality.
The overarching vision for an LVEP is to provide a mechanism through which the Visitor Economy maximises its contribution to wider place-making, levelling up and economic growth strategies for areas, therefore we must demonstrate to VisitEngland that we are innovative and first class leaders.
We have worked collaboratively with partners to promote Northamptonshire as a first class destination, but we need to be better, and if you think you get this place, can help us fulfil our dreams and ambitions, and can support our sector through its next stage of growth, then please give us a call or drop us an email!
Message from North and West Northamptonshire Councils
“Both North and West Northamptonshire Councils are fully supportive of developing a Local Visitor Economy Partnership for the county with Visit England. We are incredibly fortunate to have such rich tourism assets in this area, and we believe this partnership will not only foster greater collaboration across the region but also help shine a light on these attractions. It is the hope that our new LVEP will enhance our visitor experience and drive sustainable economic growth; this initiative will benefit our local businesses and communities alike.”
Message from our industry colleagues
“Our new LVEP will be the key to unlocking the full potential of sustainable tourism in Northamptonshire, harnessing the assets, resources and talents of our visitor economy for the benefit of local business, local residents and of course our visitors. Stakeholders’ ambitions for the county’s visitor economy can be realised by working together, aligning our efforts and marshalling our resources - to ensure we present our visitor offering for what it is. World class.
We are blessed in Northamptonshire to have a perfect blend of visitor assets that bring together stunning natural beauty, world-class sporting attractions, compelling tangible heritage and superb hospitality – centrally located and readily accessible to domestic and international visitors alike.”
- Phil Lawrie, Chief Executive, Silverstone Museum
“Northamptonshire is a proactive county supporting so many organisations through networking, funding, collaborations and partnerships.
As a charity we have been supported by the community and various organisations to create a facility that is world renown. This week Adrenaline Alley secured its third Olympic medal since 2021 in BMX Freestyle which was enabled through positive partnerships proving that working together creates a huge impact for Corby and the charity.”
- Mandy Young, CEO and Co-Founder at Adrenaline Alley
How to apply
Applications should take the form of a covering letter and CV explaining why you are the ideal candidate to be LVEP Board Chair and a brief explanation of your vision for the county:
Applicants are requested to submit the letter to Jack Pishhorn jack.pishhorn@northnorthants.gov.uk with the subject line LVEP CHAIR APPLICATION
Please read the person specification before submitting your letter, along with a completed skills matrix.
Closing date is 5pm Tuesday 14 October 2024.
Appointment process
Applications will be reviewed by a panel and those that meet the competencies and have the required skills, knowledge and experience will be invited to a stakeholder panel.
The purpose of the panel is to verify the information provided in the individual’s submission, explore motivations for the role and what the individual can offer as Chair of the LVEP board. The panel members will at all times be aware of the need to follow best practice in terms of equal access, openness and equality and diversity, and any potential conflicts of interest.
The selection process will take place on Wednesday 16 October.
Final candidates will be asked to take part in a selection panel (date to be confirmed) at The Boathouse, Rushden Lakes, NN106FH.
